My name is Elder Kyle Rasmussen. I'm a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The message of the Church is one of joy and happiness. This message has given me this great joy and happiness in my life and now I want to share that same joy with everyone else. I know it can bless everyone's life and that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

3 Things to Help Conference be Not So Boring


I had this problem as a kid, and I still do have this problem today.  General Conference is great but I've always noticed something that's made it hard to listen all the time.  A bunch of old guys standing at a pulpit, speaking in very monotone voices without nothing to look at but their faces from different angles isn't exactly Hollywood cinematics.  Let's face it, sometimes conference is boring.  It's hard to stay awake at times and understand what the speakers are talking about.  I missed most of April 2011 because I fell asleep for most of it.  I know many others suffer with this same problem as well.  However I found a story in a talk from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf that really put things into perspective for me about conference. 

The story goes:
A fine member of the Church was talking with a neighbor who was not of our faith. When the topic of discussion turned to general conference, the neighbor asked, “You say you have prophets and apostles? And twice a year in a worldwide conference they reveal the word of God?”
“Absolutely,” the member replied with confidence.
The neighbor thought about that for a moment. He seemed genuinely interested and then asked, “What did they say in the last general conference?”
At this point the good member of the Church went from feeling excited about sharing the gospel to feeling embarrassed. Try as he might, he couldn’t think of the details of a single talk.
His friend found this troubling and said, “You mean to tell me that God speaks to man in our day and you can’t remember what He said?”
The brother felt humbled by this exchange. He vowed that he would do better to remember the words spoken by the Lord’s servants in general conference.

Here are 3 things that I learned that I'm going to try to help me stay awake and learn at this conference.

1.  Take Notes - I know it doesn't sound fun but I've never done it before and I've heard a lot of people say it helps you stay focused and really allows you to grasp the message of what they are saying.  Don't just write down what they said.  You will get a copy in the Ensign a month from now.  Instead write down what you feel.  Write down any personal thoughts or spiritual promptings so that you can remember them later on.  This will make the talks really personal and dear to you, I promise.

2.  Take a Friend - If you are watching it at home via whatever means, invite someone, member or non-member, to come join you.  Having someone there will really keep you awake and focused.  You will be there to answer questions and you will have someone there to ask questions to.  Also, it would be really embarrassing to fall asleep during conference if your friend is there.

3.  Pray - Prayer always works.  God cares about you, even the very simplest of things.  God has helped me through personal trials that to others might seem small but meant a lot to me.  Pray to first stay awake and then ask to have the Spirit to be receptive to the messages that will be presented.  I promise you if you ask with sincere faith and real intent, God will make this conference one of the best you've ever experienced.

Remember the story President Uchtdorf told in his talk.  People might ask you about what you learned in conference and what the Prophet has said.  You want to be able to answer boldly and truthfully right?  You want to give an answer with conviction, power, and excitement right?  Then let's all make this conference the best one yet and we will all stay awake.  I promise you that you will learn so much.  You will learn things that will help you in your own unique life.  You will feel so much better, you will be inspired.  You won't ever regret what you experienced.  I know this Church is true and that we do have a living prophet today, Thomas S. Monson.


Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Temple Trip


I finally got a chance to see the Palmyra temple this week. We were up there for a training and while a couple of our companions had to stay for more training I went with a couple of elders to walk around the temple. It was so great to see it and all the grounds. I loved the beautiful stain glass windows and the amazing stone work. I love temples!! I guess that's why I'm out here doing what I do. I want others to experience the joys and blessings I've felt while going to the temple. I have such a love for the temples because of the many great blessings that come as a result of temple work.

Because of the temple I know that my Father in Heaven loves me. I know that I will be together with my family for all time and eternity. I know that someday I will see my Grandpa Rasmussen again and he is always with me. He had such a love for the temple as well. I remember something profound he told me about the temple. The greatest and most insightful study of the scriptures he has ever had occurred while in the temple. I know this to be true, I've experienced it myself.

I know this Church is true and that the temple is really the House of the Lord. I know that God's love and Spirit are always present there, and that we can feel that same love when we go. I know God really does love us and cares about us. He loves our families and through the temple has provided us with the only way we can be together forever with them. I challenge you all to attend the temple as often as you can. I understand this may be difficult. I grew up in an area where 10 to 13 temples were within a 3 hours drive. The closet one to us was only a 15 minute drive. But I know that so many blessings are available if we attend the temple. If you are unable to attend start preparing now so you can become worthy of a recommend. I promise you that will you not regret it. I have never felt bad after going to the temple. I promise you all that by attending the temple, we will have the courage to take on whatever life has to offer. That our testimonies will increase and our love for the Savior will be even greater. I know this Church is true and Jesus Christ is my Savior. I know that my Redeemer Lives!!!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Only Two Short Years

I had this thought come to my while me and my companion Elder Tiechert were driving from a dinner appointment. I looked down at my shirt and saw my name tag there and this thought came to me. I only get to where this for two years then I won't be allowed to put it back on. Only two short years will I be able to wear this tag and say that it is my full-time job to be the Lord's represenative here in New York. That gave thought gave me a whole different perspective of how I look at my mission ahead of me. Two years seems long but it won't seem that way after it's over. So a renewed sense of vigor and determination swept over me as I pondered on this thought. I said to myself that I will do all that I can to be worthy of this honor of being the Lord's missionary here in this area. I will put forth all that I can do help those that I serve and give all that I have to this effort so that when I return, I can say I have no regrets. I know that my Savior lives and He suffered for me in the Garden. I know the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I know that Thomas S. Monson is our prophet today and he holds all the keys to the kingdom here on earth from an unbroken line of authority down to Jesus Christ. I love this gosepl and know this church is true.